ROUNDTOP RFI

SOL #: DARPA-SN-26-43Special Notice

Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSE
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa)
DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCY
ARLINGTON, VA, 222032114, United States

Place of Performance

Place of performance not available

NAICS

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

PSC

National Defense R&D Services; Department Of Defense Military; Basic Research (AC11)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Timeline

1
Posted
May 6, 2026
2
Action Date
Jun 1, 2026, 4:00 PM

Qualification Details

Fit reasons
  • NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
  • Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
  • Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
  • Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps

Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.

Quick Summary

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), specifically its Biological Technologies Office (BTO), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) titled "ROUNDTOP RFI." This RFI seeks input on advanced methods to rapidly mitigate and repurpose large volumes of spilled Petroleum, Oils, and Lubricants (POLs), including those in abandoned storage tanks. Responses are due by June 1, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.

Scope of Work

DARPA/BTO is soliciting input from industry, academia, government laboratories, and non-traditional performers regarding the most advanced methods to rapidly stabilize and/or repurpose large volumes of petroleum products. This includes addressing POLs that are spilled or contained within above-ground or underground storage tanks.

Contract & Timeline

  • Type: Special Notice (Request for Information)
  • Set-Aside: None specified (RFI for market research)
  • Response Due: June 1, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
  • Published: May 6, 2026

Eligibility & Participation

Participation is open to all entities engaged in related research, including universities, University-Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), private or public companies, and government research laboratories. Interested parties should email DARPA at Roundtop@darpa.mil with specific company information (as detailed in Table 1 of the document) to receive further guidance.

Submission Details & Important Notes

  • All correspondence should reference "Roundtop RFI."
  • No classified information should be included in responses.
  • This RFI is for informational and program planning purposes only and does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals.
  • Responses will not be considered offers and will not be accepted to form a binding contract.
  • Submission is voluntary and not required to respond to any future Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) or solicitation.
  • DARPA will not reimburse costs incurred in responding to this RFI.
  • Proprietary information must be clearly labeled as "proprietary."
  • DARPA is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt or provide feedback on submitted information.

Contact Information

Primary Contact: Dr. Mark Salvador, DARPA/BTO (Roundtop@darpa.mil)

People

Points of Contact

Dr. Mark Salvador, DARPA/BTOPRIMARY

Files

Files

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Versions

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Special Notice
Posted: May 6, 2026
ROUNDTOP RFI | GovScope